New app helps military families find resources

Oct. 11, 2012 - 05:40PM
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Last Updated: Oct. 11, 2012 - 05:40PM |

Military families can download a free mobile app that will help them more quickly connect to programs, services and resources that meet their particular needs.

"Oftentimes, military families feel overwhelmed as they try to sift through the programs, services and good intentions that are put in place for them," said Mary Scott, chairwoman of the board of the National Military Family Association, at an Oct. 11 luncheon announcing the launch of the app.

Scott noted that there are more than 10,000 military-affiliated websites, including more than 3,500 Defense Department websites for military families.

"We're not a technology company by any means. But we do know that to better support military families, we need to embrace all of the opportunities available to us," she said.

After filling out a brief questionnaire, families can choose a "life path" — going back to school, managing a deployment, or transitioning from the military. Within those areas are lists of common questions that were created with the help of focus groups of military families.

Within the life path areas, users can also find customized to-do lists, due-date reminders, and notices of new programs.

By the end of next year, the topics will expand to include caring for a sick or injured spouse, entering the military, living as a survivor, having a baby, raising kids in the military, reintegrating after a deployment, moving, and finding spouse employment, said Joyce Raezer, NMFA's executive director.

Eventually, the app will also provide information customized to a particular location, Raezer said.